From Montenegro’s Mountains to Italy’s Ancient Caves

An Autumn Journey to Savour.

October into early November is a magical time to explore Europe: the crowds have thinned, the summer heat has softened, and cities and coastlines take on a more relaxed, authentic rhythm.  

The Journey Begins: Johannesburg to Montenegro

The adventure starts in Johannesburg, flying overnight with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul. With generous checked luggage allowances and smooth connections, Turkish is a comfortable way to reach Europe, letting you arrive rested and ready to explore.

Touching down in Podgorica, Montenegro’s compact capital, you step into a country of soaring mountains, emerald lakes and a coastline wrapped around the Adriatic Sea.

Podgorica: A Gentle First Taste of the Balkans.

Two nights in Podgorica provide a soft landing into Montenegro. The city itself is relaxed and easy to navigate, with leafy parks, riverside walks and a growing café culture.

This first stop is about settling into European time, adjusting after the overnight flight and beginning to taste Montenegrin hospitality: think strong coffee, local wines and hearty, honest cooking influenced by both the mountains and the Mediterranean.

Wander along the banks of the Morača River and cross the Millennium Bridge for views of the city framed by distant peaks. Seek out a traditional konoba (tavern) for grilled meats, local cheeses and a glass of Vranac, Montenegro’s signature red wine.Take a relaxed day trip to Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans, known for birdlife, monasteries and mirror‑calm water.

Kotor: Walled Cities and Fjord‑Like Beauty.

From Podgorica you travel to Kotor, where the scenery becomes truly spectacular. The Bay of Kotor looks like a fjord, with steep mountains plunging into deep blue water and tiny stone villages clinging to the shoreline.

Two nights in Kotor allow time to soak up the atmosphere of the Old Town, a perfectly preserved maze of marble streets, churches and squares wrapped in ancient walls.

In Kotor :

Climb the city walls to the Fortress of San Giovanni for unforgettable views over the bay (go early morning or late afternoon for softer light).Stroll the Old Town in the evening when day‑trippers have left, and enjoy dinner in a tucked‑away courtyard. Take a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks, a tiny island church filled with local legends and maritime history .It is a beautiful balance of gentle exploration and dramatic scenery before your journey continues north.

From Montenegro to Italy:

A Taste of Vienna En Route. Leaving Montenegro, you fly from Podgorica to Naples with Austrian Airlines, transiting through Vienna. With pre‑booked seats together and checked luggage included, the connection is designed to be as seamless as possible, giving you an easy hop into southern Italy.

Naples: Energy, History and Iconic Pizza. Your Italian story begins in Naples, a city that hums with life.

Two nights here offer just enough time to dip into its rich history and vibrant street culture.

Enjoy: Authentic food experiences: this is the birthplace of pizza, and tasting a classic Margherita straight from a wood‑fired oven is a must.

Grand piazzas and waterfront strolls: from Piazza del Plebiscito to the Castel dell’Ovo, the city opens up to views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. World‑class history: the National Archaeological Museum holds many of the treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum, ideal if you plan a day trip to the ruins.

With a comfortable base and breakfast included, mornings can start slowly before heading out to explore the city’s lively streets and seafront promenades.

Matera: Sleeping in a Luxury Cave Hotel.

From Naples you continue inland to Matera, one of Italy’s most unique and atmospheric destinations. This ancient city of cave dwellings, the Sassi, tumbles down a ravine in honey‑coloured stone and feels like a film set at twilight. Here,  include three nights at a luxury cave hotel and spa. It is the perfect contrast to buzzing Naples: quiet, romantic and steeped in history.

Highlights to enjoy in Matera: Stay in style: beautifully designed cave rooms blend original stone features with modern comfort. Think candlelit nooks, serene spa spaces and terraces overlooking the old town.Guided walking tours: hearing the stories of how people lived in these caves over the centuries brings the city to life.Evening views: as dusk falls and the Sassi light up, the whole ravine twinkles. It is one of the most magical cityscapes in Italy.Matera invites you to slow down, wander aimlessly and let the stories of the stones reveal themselves.

Bari: A Night on the Adriatic.

Next, you continue east to Bari, a lively port city on the Adriatic Sea and the gateway to the Puglia region. With one night here in a comfortable hotel including breakfast, this stop is both practical and enjoyable

Stroll the old quarter, Bari Vecchia, with its tangle of alleyways, washing strung between balconies and women still making orecchiette pasta by hand. Walk along the seafront promenade as the sun sets over the harbour. Enjoy a final Apulian dinner of fresh seafood, burrata and local wines before moving on to Sicily.

It is a short but charming pause before flying onward.

On to Sicily: Palermo and Beyond.

From Bari you fly  to Palermo, connecting via Rome.

Palermo itself is a heady mix of Arab‑Norman architecture, bustling markets and ornate churches, with easy access to nearby coastal towns and inland villages.Dive into Palermo’s street food scene, from arancini to panelle, wandering through Ballarò and Vucciria markets.

Spend leisurely days in coastal resorts such as Mondello or Cefalù, where medieval streets meet golden sands.Explore hilltop villages, vineyards and ancient archaeological sites, soaking up Sicily’s unique blend of cultures and landscapes.

Simply live like a local: morning coffees at pavement cafés, late dinners in piazzas and slow walks through lantern‑lit streets. Homeward Bound: A Smooth Return to Johannesburg.As your European autumn draws to a close, you fly from Palermo back to Johannesburg with Turkish Airlines, again via Istanbul. With two checked bags each, there is plenty of room for olive oils, wines, ceramics and all the little treasures picked up along the way.

Most importantly, travel insurance should  cover the full duration of the trip,  giving added peace of mind throughout the journey.